After breakfast Sherry showed us round the two Sui Generis galleries where her husband Colin Kerr's work is displayed. It is mostly in wood (e.g. a curved cabinet in yew with sea horse inlays and secret drawers). We cycled to the other end of the island to see the Setter Stone. Unfortunately we were not allowed to do the heritage walk (due to F&M)., so we took the 11.30 ferry back to Kirkwall where we had managed to book into the Royal Oak guest house. We looked round the impressive red sandstone St. Magnus cathedral. It is 12th century with big round columns. Inside there are many gravestones from the 17th century, all in English (nor Nordic) but with non-standard spelling with skulls and bones as decorations. The communion table, which has Celtic knot inlays is designed by Colin Kerr. The museum in Tankerness House has a history of the Orkneys from neolithic (stone and bone implements), bronze and iron ages, Picts until 9th century when the Vikings settled, because they found the land better than in Norway. The Orkneys were given to Scotland as royal dowry in 17th century. The Stuarts gave out the land etc. to their relationsWe then visited the Earl's Palace - a 17th century renaissance building. For our evening meal we went to the Bothy bar at the Albert Hotel where a TV team were making a documentary: 'the blood of the Vikings'. It was based on research into Viking genes which are possessed by 24% of males in Orkneys. A local folk band (fiddle, drum and accordion) played Scottish dances and locals were interviewed.
 Bedroom at Redbanks |
 Limestone shower in bedroom |
 Sui Generis gallery |
 Sui Generis gallery |
 Setter stone |
 St. Magnus Cathedral |
 St. Magnus Cathedral |
 St. Magnus Cathedral |
B&B: Royal Oak Guest House, Kirkwall
| Day 14: Kirkwall - Stromness | Back to the index |